Lawmakers Demand Answers After Legionella Found at Fallon Building

Concerns raised about outbreak at federal building housing ICE, child care facility

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Democratic members of Maryland's congressional delegation have sent a letter to the U.S. General Services Administration expressing concerns about a Legionella outbreak detected in November 2025 at the George H. Fallon Federal Building in downtown Baltimore. The lawmakers are demanding a timeline of the treatment process and information on how frequently federal facilities are required to test for Legionella.

Why it matters

The Fallon Building houses several federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices and a child care facility, raising concerns about the potential health risks to tenants and visitors. Legionella bacteria can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.

The details

The Legionella outbreak was first detected in November 2025 and remains present in the building's water even after deep cleanings. Some tenants were reportedly unaware that an outbreak had occurred. The lawmakers are particularly concerned about the presence of ICE holding rooms, which have faced previous scrutiny over overcrowding issues, as well as the child care facility in the building.

  • The Legionella outbreak was first detected in November 2025.
  • The lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. General Services Administration on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

U.S. General Services Administration

The federal agency responsible for managing and supporting the basic functioning of federal agencies, including the George H. Fallon Federal Building.

Maryland's Congressional Delegation

The group of Democratic members of Congress representing Maryland, including U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen.

George H. Fallon Federal Building

A federal office building located in downtown Baltimore that houses various federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a child care facility.

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What they’re saying

“We are particularly concerned by this development in light of reports of overcrowding at the Baltimore Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office's holding rooms, as well as the presence of a child care facility in the building.”

— Maryland's Congressional Delegation (wbal.com)

“In addition to the ICE offices in that building, you also have federal courts, so our belief is that in the interests of transparency and protecting public health, we need to get answers.”

— Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator, Maryland (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The U.S. General Services Administration is expected to provide a timeline of the treatment process and information on Legionella testing requirements for federal facilities in response to the lawmakers' letter.

The takeaway

This Legionella outbreak at the Fallon Building, which houses sensitive federal agencies and a child care facility, highlights the importance of proactive testing and transparency to protect public health in government buildings. The concerns raised by Maryland's congressional delegation underscore the need for robust safety protocols and effective communication with tenants and the public.